Athlete calls for Secunda Stadium refurbishment
Lucas Jani is concerned over the total decay of this once vibrant facility where he his athletic career was nurtured.
Local long-distance runner Lucas Jani has raised concerns about the poor state of Secunda Stadium, a once vibrant facility that hosted major sporting events and helped develop many successful athletes.
Jani, who began his athletic career under Sasol’s athletics development programme in 2000, said it is disheartening to see the stadium fall into neglect.
“This stadium has produced many athletes, including myself. It is painful and disappointing to see such a valuable facility deteriorating without any maintenance,” he said.
According to Jani, the stadium has nurtured talent over the years, with several athletes earning scholarships, competing internationally, and representing South Africa in major marathons. One such athlete is Glenrose Xaba, a South African long-distance runner born and raised in eMbalenhle.
In 2018, Xaba won the SPAR Grand Prix 10 km series and represented South Africa at the 2019 IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, finishing 67th. She claimed victory again in the SPAR Grand Prix 10 km series in 2024.
“If you look at athletes like Glenrose Xaba, she is successful today because of Secunda Stadium,” Jani added.
He is calling on Sasol to step in and refurbish the historic facility to preserve its legacy.
“The race tracks are damaged and the facility is no longer user-friendly. Reviving this stadium would mean reviving hope for the next generation of athletes,” he said.
Donald Green, media liaison and content developer at Govan Mbeki Municipality, acknowledged complaints about the stadium and other municipal amenities. He explained that the maintenance budget is limited due to debts owed to Eskom and Rand Water, which take priority because of potential community-wide impacts.
“Low tariffs charged for these facilities do not match maintenance costs, requiring subsidising from other limited revenue sources.
“Despite these challenges, the municipality has been implementing maintenance and improvement plans. We are not ignoring this matter, and other avenues are being considered,” Green said.
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